HOLIDAY phone LineS ARE OPEN! → 315-701-3898 | pLEASE EXPECT CONSTRUCTION AT THE SYRACUSE CAMPUS
Join us for an event!
October 20th … Holiday Phone Line Opens → 315-701-3898
November 7th … Hope Awards Gala → Buy tickets or sponsor
November 11th … Family Day of Service (Veteran’s Day) → Volunteer
November 19th … Thanksgiving Meal Prep Begins → Volunteer
November 27th … Thanksgiving Meal Service & Delivery → Volunteer
December 7th … Movie with a Mission → Donate or Volunteer
December 13th … Annual Cookie Bake → Volunteer
December 17th … Christmas Meal Prep Begins → Volunteer
*NEW DATE* December 24th … Christmas Meal Delivery → Volunteer
December 25th … Christmas Meal Service → Volunteer
Q: What inspired you to start volunteering at the Rescue Mission, and what has kept you involved all these years?
A: I wanted my daughters to understand the importance of giving back and to see firsthand that not everyone is as fortunate as they are. Sometimes people fall on hard times and they always need to be understanding and sympathetic.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your time volunteering that has stayed with you?
A: When my girls were too young to work in the kitchen, we delivered meals and one year, we were assigned an apartment building. We went to one gentleman’s apartment and he was in a wheelchair with no legs from the knees down. He asked us to come in and we all took a picture together — a Polaroid — that we still have. He was so grateful that we brought him a meal for Thanksgiving and my family always remembers that special moment.
Q: How have you seen RM grow or change since you first started?
A: There have been so many changes to the RM since we started, including the new kitchen facility. COVID changed many things. There seems to be a lot more community events that engages the people around our area.
Q: What has volunteering taught you or brought into your life that you didn’t expect?
A: It taught us how to be thankful and to always remember that not everyone is fortunate in life. There are those that experience life difficulties who need support and being respectful and helping them can bring a person so much joy.
"Whether you are delivering meals, donating a turkey or pie, bringing joy through a Christmas gift, or volunteering at a holiday event, there are so many ways to make a difference this season. Your kindness helps brighten the holidays for the individuals and families we serve."
Jill Weston Volunteer Services Programs Manager